Already a stellar player at both ends of the court, Gabrielle Reuter’s basketball career is heading towards new heights.

A Marion native and Lawrence Academy senior, Reuter has recently signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Stonehill College following graduation.

Reuter, who played for Old Rochester Regional High School in 2013, is the first Lawrence Academy player to sign early. As Reuter explains it, attending Lawrence Academy opened her eyes to the possibility of playing at the college level.

“When I was at public school, it was pretty much basketball. I didn’t really focus on my academics,” Reuter said. “Then I realized that I wanted to better my academics…and once I got here, I realized I could balance academics and basketball.”

Her basketball career started before high school and includes stints with the Amateur Athletic Union’s Cape Cod Waves team – where Lawrence Academy head coach Donna Mastrangelo first saw her play.

“My initial reaction was…look at this girl run the floor and finishing!” Mastrangelo said. “I knew she was going to be something special, but just had to find a way to make sure it happened at Lawrence Academy.”

Reuter joined the Groton-based prep school her sophomore year. Mastrangelo credits her for anchoring the girls varsity program.

Two years ago, the team went 15-3, and last year the girls’ record was 22-4. In that time, Reuter has racked up nearly 1,000 points. Mastrangelo said she expected Reuter to reach that milestone in the next few days.

“It’s quite a remarkable achievement,” her coach said. “She’s an uplifting presence for all the girls, both with her play and in her encouragement. She knows the game very well.”

A 6’1” forward, Reuter’s height and speed make her both a defensive and offensive force on the court, Mastrangelo said.

Reuter averages 18 points per game and finds a way to pull down offensive rebounds consistently, running end to end nearly nonstop.

“She runs the floor like no other, she is a gazelle out there,” Mastrangelo said. “She’s a very disciplined defender and gets the job done both defensively and offensively.”

Reuter’s name may sound familiar to fans of South Coast sports. Her mother, Denise Higgins Reuter, and siblings are all accomplished athletes.

Higgins Reuter was a star at Bishop Stang High School before going on to play basketball at the University of New Hampshire.

Jarred Reuter, Gabrielle’s older brother, is a 6’7” power forward in his first year playing Division 1 basketball for the University of Virginia.

Gabrielle’s younger brother, Grant, is an ORR junior on the school’s basketball and football teams.

For Mastrangelo, a coach for 31 years, having Gabrielle on her team has been a privilege.

“You know when you get a special person. She makes games a joy for us. The relationship I have with Gabby is something that I’ll remember forever.”